Thinking about adding calligraphy to your wedding invitations? Great choice! Calligraphy is not just the trend du jour – it’s a beautiful way to add elegance to your wedding invitations. And while it’s traditionally used on the inner and outer envelopes of invitations, you can use calligraphy on other wedding elements as well, on such items such as favor tags, table numbers, menus and escort cards.
Note: Because it can be difficult to read (not to mention expensive), calligraphy isn’t typically used for the entire invitation. However, it is sometimes used strategically to highlight important items such as your names.
Once you’ve finalized your guest list and have collected all addresses, you’re ready to start interviewing calligraphers. Here are a few things you’ll need to know:
Script Styles Calligraphy comes in a variety of styles ranging from traditional to modern to whimsical. Copperplate is the most common (think Declaration of Independence), and some calligraphers have even developed their own styles. When interviewing calligraphers, ask to see a variety of samples highlighting different scripts. Average Cost The average cost is $2-5 per envelope, but can be higher for special requests such as colored ink or paper that is more challenging to work with. Remember, this is just an average, and prices can be higher or lower depending on the calligrapher and the demand in your area. Figure out how calligraphy fits in your budget by using this Free Wedding Budget Planning Worksheet! Timeline Calligraphy is enjoying renewed interest thanks to younger calligraphers gaining popularity on Instagram. Therefore, you’ll need to book your calligrapher early – about 4-6 months ahead of your wedding. Turnaround time is usually about 2 weeks for addressing envelopes. If other projects are involved, it will take longer. Prepare You’ll need to provide the calligrapher with a spreadsheet (or similar document) containing the names and addresses for all of your guests. Make sure to check and double check the names and addresses before turning it over. Talk to your calligrapher about how they would like the list formatted. You should also give the calligrapher a few extra envelopes, because hey – mistakes happen. Extras Calligraphers can pen other wedding stationery and decor, including programs, menus, escort cards, wedding signs and table numbers. If you have a vision for how calligraphy would enhance some of these elements, be sure to talk to your calligrapher and remember to allow extra time for completion. Although calligraphy on these elements looks pretty, it can be costly. To save money you may want to find your own elements that already have print on them like these table numbers and menu cards. DIY Think you’d like to take a shot at doing your own calligraphy? You go, girl! Take a class (much easier than learning calligraphy from a book) and give yourself plenty of time to practice with this Staedtler Calligraphy Pen Set and lettering pad. Remember to buy extra supplies (you'd rather be safe than sorry!) and be patient. If scripting all of your invitation envelopes seems overwhelming, work on smaller projects like escort cards or table numbers.
Now that you know what to expect from a calligrapher, take some time to plan your rehearsal dinner and start looking at wedding cakes! And before you mail your invitations, check out these tips. Five months until your big day, keep planning!
Follow our Month-by-Month Wedding Planning Guide for more tips for every phase of your planning process.
Article written by: Heather Clark
